In the recent decade, remote sensing techniques had emerged as one among the best options for quantification of measures of tree species diversity. In this study, potential of using remotely sensed data derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) for predicting tree species richness and Shannon diversity index was evaluated. Two modelling approaches were tested: linear mixed effects modelling (LMM), by which each of the measures was modelled separately, and the k-nearest neighbour technique (k-NN), by which both measures were jointly modelled (multivariate approach). For both methods, the effect of vegetation type on the prediction accuracies of tree species richness and Shannon diversity index was tested. Separate predictions for richness and Shannon diversity index using LMM resulted in relative root mean square errors (RMSEcv) of 40.7%, and 39.1%, while for the k-NN they were 41.4% and 39.1%, respectively. Inclusion of dummy variables representing vegetation types to the LMM improved the prediction accuracies of tree species richness (RMSEcv = 40.2%) and Shannon diversity index (RMSEcv = 38.0%). The study concluded that ALS data has a potential for modelling and predicting measures of tree species diversity in the miombo woodlands of Tanzania.

Riparian forests play a vital role in the functioning of river systems and biodiversity protection. However, rapid land use and land cover changes due to human activities have led to their degradation and loss of valuable environmental services they offer. To plan for wise use and facilitate development of improved management strategies, it is important to understand riparian forests structure and carbon storage particularly for sites that are not fully protected. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine woody plant species composition, density, richness and above ground carbon storage in disturbed riparian forests of Morogoro, Tanzania. Thirty (30) sampling plots measuring 10 x 20 m each were laid systematically along 3 sites and all woody plant species with diameter at breast height (Dbh) of ≥ 1 cm identified. In total, 65 woody plant species belonging to 58 genera and 27 families were recorded. Four dominant families were Moraceae (42.2%), Apocynaceae (13%), Annonaceae (10.3%) and Phyllanthaceae (7.8%). The Dbh size class distribution showed a slight deviation from the classical inverse J distribution suggesting that both small and large sized trees are harvested. The average overall stocking density in the plots was 1598 stems ha-1 (range 250-3950) while the overall mean carbon stored in the plot was 76.5 t ha-1 (range 11.4-272.7). Ficus exasperata, Syzygium cumini and Voacanga africana contributed 36% of the carbon. There were no significant differences (one-way ANOVA; in all cases P > 0.05) in stem density, species richness and carbon stocks between sites. This study has revealed that even though the study forests are not fully protected they have high species richness, stem density and above ground carbon and therefore improved management is recommended to maintain the structure and functions of the remaining riparian forests in Kilombero. Key words: River systems, basin, distribution, density, biomass, land use, Kilombero

A study was conducted to investigate the adaptive capacity of pastoralists in Kilosa district to climate change. Specifically, the study assessed the trend and impact of climate change in the area, adaptive elements of pastoral communities against climate change and determined the contribution of state agencies in enhancing pastoral system’s resilience to climate variability in the district. Data were collected using household questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observation. The data was analysed using Excel and SPSS computer software programs. Results revealed that in the period 1972-1974, there was a significant shift of rainfall in the study area from bi-modal to unimodal. This trend has been consistent with climate change scenarios in recent decades of lower rainfall and more severe droughts. Most pastoralists were aware of climate change impacts namely water scarcity, increase of livestock diseases and increased distance to grazing lands. The capacity of pastoralists to adapt to climate change stress depends largely on the number of livestock. Pastoralists owning more livestock are more likely to adapt to climate change. This study recommends that the community should diversify to other sustainable economic activities rather than relying on livestock only while climatic conditions are not favourable for this economic activity. The Government should put more effort on supporting pastoralists in their adaptive strategies as well as make regular review of policies to favour adaptation measures.Keywords: Pastoralists, climate change, adaptive capacity, Kilosa

There is insufficient knowledge on theeffects of shifting cultivation on vegetationchange, especially in situations of land useintensification. This study investigated theeffects of shortening fallow length onrecovery of small (Dbh < 5 cm) and big(Dbh ≥ 5 cm) plant species richness,composition and height growth in a dryMiombo woodland in East Central Tanzania.Vegetation sampling was conducted on 40(10 m x10 m) plots and 80 (5 m x 5 m) subplotsfrom adjacent sites under fallow for 3,5, 7 and 15 years and a control secondaryforest. Results showed that shorteningfallow length to not less than 7 years did nothave a significant negative effect onrecovery of plant species richness and heightgrowth for both small and big sized plantspecies. However, there was a remarkableshift in composition of dominant specieswhen fallow length was less than 15 years.Results showed that big size Miombowoodland defining species such asBrachystegia bussei, B. boehmii, and B.spiciformis were deprived in fallowsyounger than 15 years but dominant insecondary forest. Non-Miombo woodlanddefining species such as Cassia burtii andDombeya shumpangae were insteaddominant in younger fallows. These resultsimply that if the fallow length is shortenedto 3 years as required by Village Land Useplans in Kilosa District, the sustainability ofthe shifting cultivation systems will bethreatened, affecting ecosystems servicesoffered by landscapes under shiftingcultivation. It is therefore recommended thatfallow length be prolonged to at least 7 yearsand that communities are encouraged toretain some of the Miombo woodlanddefining species in the fields undercultivation.

Astudy was conducted to investigate theeffects of pre-germination treatments andsoil media on seed germination andseedling growth of Tamarind (Tamarindusindica) in Katsina State, Nigeria.Germination was monitored in the NurserySection of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. The experimentwas laid in a Completely RandomizedDesign with four replications. Seedlingheight (SH), stem diameter (SD) andnumber of branches (NB) were measuredat two week intervals and analyzed usingAnalysis of Variance. Means wereseparated using Least SignificantDifference (LSD P≤0.05). Mechanicallyscarified seeds (MS), sown in top soil (S1)(S1MS) and seeds treated with 60 %concentrated Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid(H2SO4) for 10 minutes (A10) and sown inS1 (S1A10), MS sown in S2 (S2MS), seedstreated with A10 and sown in S2 (S2A10),MS sown in top soil plus river sand plusmanure (S3) (S3MS) and seeds treated withA10 and sown in S3 (S3A10) germinated infirst five days after sowing (DAS) whilethose in the control germinated after ninedays. Treatment with A10 resulted in 100 %germination while MS resulted in 97.5 %germination. MS and seeds soaked inH2SO4 for five (5) minutes (A5) had higherSH values of 8.30 cm and 30.81 cmrespectively and NB values of 2.92. A10and MS had SD values of 3.20 cm and 3.20cm respectively. It is concluded that seedstreated with H2SO4 for 10 minutes and MSat the micropyle are the best pregerminationtreatment for breaking T.indica seeds and recommended for seedsowers so in order to achieve regenerationthat can meet various needs of man.

Elgon olive which is prized for durablestructures and furniture has become rare andefforts to increase its population have beenhampered by poor seed germination ratesassociated with dormancy. Search foralternative multiplication of the species istherefore important. The effect of rootingmedia and rooting hormone on regenerationpotential of O. welwitschii were evaluatedusing leafy juvenile stem cuttings as analternative multiplication method. Afactorial experiment with 3 x 3 treatmentcombinations was established in a non-mistpropagator in a complete randomized designwith three replications. Factor one had threetypes of rooting media (fine river sandmixed with decomposed sawdust at 1:1 v/v,red clay subsoil and fine river sand) andfactor two was rooting hormone indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) with three concentrations(0, 3000 and 6000 ppm). Data on rootingpercentages and rooting variables weresubjected to analysis of variance using SAS.The combination of fine sand mixed withdecomposed sawdust media and cuttingstreated with IBA at 6000 ppm provided thehighest (p < 0.05) rooting of 92.3% andlargest (p < 0.05) number of roots percutting of 13.77. The combination of fineriver sand mixed with decomposed sawdustand treated leafy juvenile stem cuttings withIBA at concentration of 6000 ppm isrecommended as alternative technique foroptimum production of O. welwitschiiplanting materials.

The study investigated the influence of pre-treatment and storage conditions on the germination potential of Albizia lebbeck (l.) Benth. and A. odoratissima (l.f.) Benth. seeds. Mature fruits were harvested and after extraction, the seeds were divided into two batches, with one batch dried to a moisture content of 2% while the other batch was left as fresh seeds. Each batch was subjected to three storage conditions- kilner jar (KJ, 25+2oC), paper packet (PP, 25+2oC) and refrigeration (4+2oC) and stored for 30, 60 and 90 days. The experiment was a 2x3x2x3 factorial in complete randomized design. Germination rate and cumulative germination percentages (CGP) were recorded and subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p<0.05. Storage period and storage containers had significant effects (p<0.05) on daily seed germination but not moisture content. Storage period and storage media had significant effect on CGP of A. lebbeck and A. odoratissima at p<0.05. The highest CGP was 54% and was significantly lower in A. lebbeck seeds stored for 30 days than 68% in seeds stored for 60 days and 64% in those stored for 90 days. A. odoratissima seeds stored for 90 and 60 days had significantly higher CGP of 91% and 90% respectively, than seeds stored for 30 days with CGP of 74%. A. lebbeck seeds in PP had significantly higher CGP (68%), than refrigeration (57%) and KJ (60%). Refrigerated A. odoratissima seeds had significantly higher CGP (96%) than KJ and PP, both with 80%. A. lebbeck seeds cannot be stored at room temperature for over two months and retain viability. Refrigerated A. odoratissima seeds had high germination percentage after three months.

A study was conducted in villages around Mgori Village Land Forest Reserve (VLFR), Singida District in Tanzania to assess the impact of traditional beekeeping on the condition of forest resources. Data collection involved participatory rural appraisal, questionnaire survey and forest inventory. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Ms Excel. The Shannon-Wiener index was used to analyse evenness in species diversity. Results indicated that the majority of households practice traditional beekeeping using log hives. There is no proper management system of traditional beekeeping apart from regular forest patrols. The majority (82%) of respondents viewed traditional beekeeping as an effective way of managing forest resources as it helps to protect the forest against destruction and results in increased plant productivity through pollination. Results further showed that although not statistically significant (p>0.05), sites where beekeeping was practiced had more stems per hectare (ha) for dbh ≤10 cm compared to sites where there was no beekeeping implying high regeneration of species due to minimal disturbances in beekeeping sites. Forest destruction, decreasing bee forages and drought were identified to be the main threats to traditional beekeeping. If well implemented, traditional beekeeping can be a tool for sustainable forest management. The need to promote best beekeeping practices which contribute to sustainable forest management in the area and beyond is recommended.

A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the Aweer community. Results indicate the procuring of a wide gamut of provisional, regulatory, cultural and supportive services from these reserves by the community ranging from wood forest products utilized in construction to their use in expression of religious beliefs to non-wood products. In addition, 16 wildlife species were found to be utilized as primary source of protein, with eggs (guinea fowls and ostrich), fish and honey were utilized as secondary products, while various fungi and algae were consumed as vegetables. Resource extraction occurred with a seasonal dissimilitude. This study underscores the need for appreciation of Aweer ethnobiology input on native forest conservation. Keywords: Aweer community, Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves, Indigenous Knowledge, Natural Resources Utilization

Dried leaves of Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. have been used as a vegetable in powder form by local communities in semiarid areas of Iringa Region for decades. However, there is limited knowledge on its nutritional content. This study was carried out to assess nutrient content of dried leaves of Z. chalybeum growing in semi-arid areas of Iringa, Tanzania. Specifically, using fresh (control), locally and solar dried leaves of Z. chalybeum , the study determined laboratory proximate composition (moisture content, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrate), vitamin A and C and mineral *contents (Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sodium). Analysis of variance was used to compare mean values of nutrient contents of fresh, locally and solar dryer dried Z. chalybeum leaves. Results indicated that both locally and solar dryer dried leaves contained sufficient concentration of nutrients that were within the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) except for Vitamins A and C. Attainment of the RDA for Vitamins A and C could be achieved through intake of green vegetables in the diet. Concentration of nutrients in both locally and solar dried leaves increased after drying except for Vitamin C. The study recommends local communities to dry well Z. chalybeum leaves locally or using solar dryer equipment before grinding in order to increase nutrient concentration